ChS8

ChS8[1]
Electric locomotive ChS8-075
Type and origin
Power typeElectric
BuilderŠkoda Works
Build date1983–89
Total produced82
Specifications
Gauge1,524 mm (5 ft)
1,520 mm (4 ft 11+2732 in) Russian gauge
Length33,740 mm (110 ft 8 in)
Width3,000 mm (9 ft 10 in)
Electric system/s25 kV 50 Hz AC Catenary
Current pickup(s)Pantograph
Train heating1,500 kW
Performance figures
Maximum speed180 km/h (110 mph)
Power output7,200 kW
Career
OperatorsРЖД (RZhD), УЗ (UZ)
LocaleRussia Russia
Soviet Union Soviet Union
Ukraine Ukraine

The ChS8 (Russian: ЧС8) is an electric mainline AC passenger locomotive used in Russia and Ukraine.

The 8 axle locomotive was developed for pulling long passenger trains (28–32 carriages) at speeds around 100 km/h or faster. In 1983 the first two experimental locomotives were constructed and delivered to Kyiv for tests and adjustment. In 1987 30 locomotives were built as a mass model. In 1989 last 50 locomotives were built.

As the most powerful AC passenger locomotive in USSR designed for long trains, ChS8 experienced a low demand when after the disintegration of the USSR passenger turnover in both Russia and Ukraine fell significantly. After 2010 Russian railways turned to more energy-effective EP10 and EP20 as powerful locomotives for fast or long passenger trains.